Balancing school, your family, and a job can be the most challenging part of college for an adult student. But your success depends upon it. Here are some tips on how to find the balance that you will need to successfully finish your college degree.

Plan out your degree and goals

Work with your advisor to create a degree plan that shows you what classes you need to take and when you should take them. Some classes require prerequisites and should be taken in a specific sequence so it’s important to have an academic plan. Making an academic plan as well as short term and long term goals will help you finish your degree.

Develop your academic and technical skills

Maybe you have been out of school for a while and are nervous about your skills. Spend time brushing up on subjects that you may be less confidant about and make sure that you have the skills you need to be successful in your studies. This may mean utilizing your campus’ tutorial center or taking a refresher course. Even if you are not taking classes online, it’s important that you make sure that you have all of the technical and computer skills that you will need to complete class assignments.

Work with your family and include your children

Your family and children come first and are an important part of your support team. Make spending time with your children your first priority. By giving them your attention when they come home, you can schedule time to study later. If your children are old enough, include them in your studying. Let them quiz you as you are studying. Explain to your family that you will need quiet time to study and work on your classes and plan with them family time and study time.

Seek out a community

You’re not alone! There are other adults on your campus that are also juggling family, work, and school. Many campuses even have adult student support groups. Find other adult students and talk to them about your challenges and triumphs.

Ask for help

Don’t be afraid to talk to your professors, advisor, and other campus support staff if you have a problem. They are there to help you succeed!

Take care of yourself and schedule time to relax

No matter how much we might try to cram in a day there are still only 24 hours in a day. Make sure that you are getting enough sleep and rest and are taking good care of yourself. Not only will you perform better if you are rested and well, but you will have less problems with stress. Relaxation isn’t a luxury, it’s necessary to keep you going.

Get organized and stay that way

Make a schedule and try to stick to it. Know when your assignments are due and make a plan for completing them. If you know that you have family or work responsibilities that may get in the way, make sure that you take them into account and schedule around them. In a busy world it’s easy to wait until the last minute to finish assignments but doing so will make it harder for you and your family.

Create a space that is your own for studying

Making sure that you have a quiet place to study where you can spread out and keep your materials in one place is important. Not only will it help you study, but it will also help your family and children know that when you are in your study space you are less available.

Inspiration

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